Blood-borne viruses and STIs
The most comprehensive source of data on sexually transmitted infections in Northern Ireland is provided by the Sexual Health and HIV services in each Trust area.
HIV/AIDS
Surveillance arrangements for HIV/AIDS infection are based largely on the confidential reporting of HIV infected individuals to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
HIV surveillance reports:
2024 Northern Ireland HIV data (2023 data)
Further Information:
Blood-borne viruses/ STIs | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
HIV | nidirect
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted parenterally and sexually. Transmission most commonly occurs following sexual intercourse, as a result of blood to blood contact, including injury with contaminated sharp instruments or other equipment by intravenous drug misusers, or by perinatal transmission from mother to child.
Transfusion-associated infection is now rare and adequate treatment of blood products has eliminated these as sources of infection in the UK. A hepatitis B vaccine is available and routine immunisation of at-risk groups is recommended. These include certain groups of health care workers, babies born to hepatitis B positive mothers and injecting drug users.
Hepatitis B is a notifiable disease.
For further information about hepatitis B, please view the following:
Blood-borne viruses/ STIs | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
UKHSA Hepatitis B: guidance, data and analysis
Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/hepatitis
Annual reports
Hepatitis C
Infection with hepatitis C virus is associated with intravenous drug use or blood products. Sexual, vertical and occupational transmission do occur, but on a less frequent basis than HBV. Transfusion associated infection is now rare in the UK. A vaccine for hepatitis C is not available.
Hepatitis C became a notifiable disease in July 2021.
For further information about hepatitis C, please view the following:
Blood-borne viruses/ STIs | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
UKHSA Hepatitis C: guidance, data and analysis
Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/hepatitis
Annual reports